Pheffer Sets Bill To Criminalize Luring Children

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer has announced Assembly passage of legislation she supported criminalizing the act of luring a child under 14 into a secluded place for the purpose of committing a violent or sexual felony (A.2467).

“There currently is no specific crime that covers the act of luring a child – a step that most abductors must take before harming a child,” Assemblywoman Pheffer said. “This measure would give law enforcement another tool to hinder potential offenders and charge them if they are caught before a more heinous crime occurs.”

The new luring crime would be a Class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison. The luring crime is elevated further if the offender intended to commit is a Class B or Class A felony. In such event, the luring crime is elevated, respectively, to a Class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison, or Class C felony, with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

“We have to do more to protect our children from dangerous predators. Making sure tough penalties are in place for this type of crime will punish predators and allow law enforcement to stop them before they complete these heinous crimes,” Assemblywoman Pheffer said. “I urge New Yorkers to contact their Senators to voice their support for the passage of this bill.”

The measure builds on a law the Assembly passed last year mandating a life sentence without parole for an individual who, in the course of a sex crime, murders a child under the age of 14 (Ch. 459 of 2004).